Hebe Reef lies about 5 km northwest of the mouth of the Tamar River, a notorious submerged reef that lurks just below the surface. At low tide portions are exposed, but at mid-to-high tide the reef is completely hidden — a shipwreck graveyard that has claimed six vessels since the 1808 wreck of the barque Hebe. This cold-temperate Tasmanian reef offers adventurous snorkelers a chance to explore dramatic rocky formations, strong tidal flows, and the clear Bass Strait waters where weedy seadragons, giant cuttlefish, and schools of Australian salmon can be spotted.
Hebe Reef
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Wave Height 0.4 mSwell Period 5.0 sWind Speed 4.0 knPrecipitation 14 mmTidal Phase flood
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DANGER: Explicit Risks Present
Hebe Reef has hazards marked as danger. Entering the water here means you may face serious risks to your personal safety.
- Submerged reef at mid/high tide danger
The reef is completely covered at middle and high tide, making it invisible from the surface — a serious navigation and snorkeling hazard.
The spot
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Community contribution: submitted by Daniel
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High risk: Submerged reef at mid/high tide
The reef is completely covered at middle and high tide, making it invisible from the surface — a serious navigation and snorkeling hazard.
Moderate risk: Strong tidal currents
Located near the mouth of the Tamar River with strong ocean currents flowing through Bass Strait, creating powerful surge and rips around the reef.
Moderate risk: Boat traffic
The reef lies in what appears to be the navigation channel to the Tamar River, so boat traffic — including large vessels — passes nearby.
Low risk: Cold water temperatures
Tasmanian temperate waters are cold year-round, requiring a thick wetsuit (7mm+) for safe extended snorkeling.
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Getting in
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Entry
Hebe Reef is located approximately 5 km northwest of the mouth of the Tamar River, off the coast of the Bass Strait near Low Head and George Town, Tasmania. Access is by private boat or kayak launched from nearby Low Head, George Town, or Beauty Point. The reef is not accessible from shore. Navigate carefully using GPS/charts as the reef is submerged at mid-to-high tide.
Parking & facilities
Parking available at boat ramps in Low Head, George Town, or Beauty Point (e.g. Low Head Boat Ramp, George Town Boat Ramp).
parkingboat_ramp
No fees for reef access itself; standard boat ramp fees may apply at some ramps.
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About this data
- Conditions last evaluated
- Spot data last updated
- Data sources
- Open-Meteo (marine & weather conditions), tide predictions via UTide, community contributors (descriptions, hazards, marine life).
- License
- Spot content licensed under CC BY-SA 4.0. How's the Spot is open source.
Weather & swell ┬╖ Open-Meteo marine & weather APIs Tides ┬╖ UTide harmonic analysis Sea & safety ┬╖ community reports